Jan. 27, 2026 — DENTON — Dr. Debra Mollen has been named president of the Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs (CCPTP), marking another milestone in her illustrious leadership career. Mollen, who has served at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) for 22 years, is known for her involvement in the institute for women in psychology and her leadership of TWU’s Counseling Psychology doctoral program.
Reflecting on her appointment, Mollen said, “Leadership has punctuated my career along the way in different capacities. I’m really invested in the continual excellence of training of counseling psychologists. I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to serve this organization, and I feel honored to be selected for this position.”
CCPTP, now in its 50th year, serves as a crucial forum for directors of doctoral programs in counseling psychology, providing essential training resources and fostering communication among its members. Mollen emphasized the importance of this community, noting the often isolating nature of training director roles. “This also provides an opportunity for people doing similar work at programs across the country to have resources,” she said.
The organization plays a vital role in the accreditation process of psychology programs, which is essential for maintaining the value and credibility of degrees in the field. Mollen outlined the rigorous nature of the process, which involves extensive data reporting and evaluation by external visitors.
Looking forward, Mollen plans to develop a doctoral training director’s handbook to aid peers in navigating the accreditation landscape. She is currently serving as president-elect and will officially begin her term in August.